25.06.2013 Views

The six sisters of the valleys : an historical romance - University Library

The six sisters of the valleys : an historical romance - University Library

The six sisters of the valleys : an historical romance - University Library

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

THE MAEQUIS. 291<br />

" Ardoine," said lie, adv<strong>an</strong>cing towards<br />

her, " have yon reflected on my proposals ?<br />

yonr fate is in your own h<strong>an</strong>ds; only<br />

rec<strong>an</strong>t, <strong>an</strong>d become my bride, <strong>an</strong>d all is<br />

yours."<br />

"My Lord, you mock one who is a<br />

wretched prisoner. I c<strong>an</strong>not—I dare<br />

not!"<br />

"Do not be too hasty; <strong>the</strong> conditions<br />

are easy; consent to go to mass occa-<br />

sionally, <strong>an</strong>d I will marry you secretly. I<br />

swear that I love you; I c<strong>an</strong>not help it.<br />

It is a contradiction that one <strong>of</strong> my r<strong>an</strong>k<br />

<strong>an</strong>d religion should kneel to you; but,<br />

alas ! love is a mighty tyr<strong>an</strong>t, <strong>an</strong>d <strong>the</strong>re<br />

are no arguments or reasons when he has<br />

<strong>the</strong> mastery."<br />

" Oh, my mo<strong>the</strong>r—my friends ! What<br />

c<strong>an</strong> I do ? Would that I were in my<br />

grave; never will I rec<strong>an</strong>t."<br />

" Well, I must overlook your heresy, if<br />

you will keep it to yourself; you shall<br />

follow your own conscience. See how I

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!